Apple, the tech giant known for its innovative products, has reportedly postponed the release of its biggest-ever iPad, a 14-inch model that was expected to debut this year. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the delay could be due to the switch to OLED displays, which offer better contrast and brightness than LCD screens. However, Apple fans can still look forward to a new Magic Keyboard accessory for the iPad, which will feature a larger trackpad and an aluminum top case.
A bigger iPad in the works
Apple has been working on a 14-inch iPad since 2021, according to Gurman, who first revealed this in his July 2021 newsletter. He claimed that the larger iPad would “blur the lines” between a tablet and a laptop, and offer more screen real estate for multitasking and productivity. The current largest iPad is the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which was launched in 2020 with a mini-LED display that improves color accuracy and contrast.
However, Gurman said in his latest newsletter that the 14-inch iPad is unlikely to come out this year, possibly due to the transition to OLED displays. OLED technology is already used in some of Apple’s products, such as the iPhone 12 and the Apple Watch. OLED displays have several advantages over LCD screens, such as lower power consumption, thinner design, and wider viewing angles. However, they are also more expensive and prone to burn-in issues.
Gurman’s report was corroborated by other sources, such as analyst Ross Young and leaker Majin Bu, who also claimed that Apple was working on a 14.1-inch iPad Pro with an M2 chip, 512GB storage, and 16GB RAM. They predicted that the device would be released in early 2023 with a mini-LED display.
A new Magic Keyboard on the way
While the 14-inch iPad may not see the light of day this year, Apple is reportedly working on a new Magic Keyboard accessory for its tablets. The Magic Keyboard is a detachable keyboard and trackpad that connects to the iPad via magnets and allows users to adjust the viewing angle. It also has a USB-C port for charging and backlit keys for typing in low-light conditions.
According to Gurman, the new Magic Keyboard will have a larger trackpad than the current one, which will provide a more laptop-like feel. It will also have an aluminum top case, which will match the design of Apple’s MacBooks and give it a more premium look. The current Magic Keyboard has a plastic top case that is prone to bending and scratching.
The new Magic Keyboard will also continue to have one USB-C port, which is expected to be adopted by Apple’s iPhone 15 series as well. The iPhone 15 is rumored to ditch the Lightning port in favor of USB-C, which is more widely used and compatible with other devices.
The new Magic Keyboard could be unveiled along with the new iPads at Apple’s “Wonderlust” event on September 12, where the company is also expected to announce the iPhone 15, the Apple Watch Series 8, and the AirPods Pro 2.